Jun 10, 2008

10 Signs You Need a New Bra

If you’re like most women, you dread the day you have to go bra shopping. Women have mental lists of reasons why to not shop for bras: they’re expensive, they don’t like to shop for themselves, and they don’t have the time or the patience to try on every bra in the store, or just can’t find the right fit! Frustrating? There’s no avoiding it—sometimes you need to buy a new bra—and that doesn’t mean when the wires are poking you through the fabric! Knowing when to get a new bra is essential to helping you keep bras that are comfortable and shapely. Here are a few reasons you may be in need of a new bra—now.

1. If Last Summer was the last time you bought a bra. Bra shopping can be expensive. It can be easy to spend $50, $75, or even $100 on a bra, but there are plenty of bras for under $30 as well! Think of it this way, if you can spend that money on a mani/pedi or a couple of movie tickets, you can definitely spend it on a bra!
2. A Special Occasion. Do you have a wedding coming up? A ‘formal’ dance maybe? There are certain occasions you may need to wear a strapless or ‘convertible’ bra—essential to every woman’s wardrobe!
3. Great News! You’re Pregnant! You may not need a maternity bra just yet, but expect to grow a couple of sizes during your pregnancy. Even women with small breasts will eventually need a bra with underwire for support during pregnancy. Taking care of your breasts during pregnancy and nursing, with good bras, can minimize post-baby sagging. Look to brands such as Bali, Playtex, and Calvin Klein for comfortable pregnancy/nursing bras.
4. Your bra just doesn’t fit right. If your bra is stretched, the back strap rides up, you’re constantly adjusting, or you’re embarrassed to wear a tight-fitting shirt—you need a different bra. Be honest with yourself first—Do you wish you were a C cup, but are really a B cup? Or what if a DD is just too small for you? Your bra should support and shape you, without restricting you. Your bra should not be loose in any way when you stand up straight. Don’t be ashamed to check out full-figured or plus-sized bras for the right fight. If you wear t-shirts often, a good seamless bra is essential. Again, stop stressing about your size! Get a bra that is going to be comfortable.
5. Your bra’s best friend is your washing machine. Remember this—bras should be hand-washed. Most of us don’t have the time, but in this case, do yourself and your bra a favor a get a lingerie bag! Bras that are machine-washed/dried need to be replaced much more often than ones that are gently hand-washed.
6. Underwire poking at your skin. The underwire in a bra should lay flat against your skin, underneath the breasts. If you feel the underwire poking through the fabric, you need a new bra! Find yourself adjusting the underwire back to its proper position throughout the day? It’s time for a new bra.
7. Holes in your bra. If your bra is in any way torn, this is a sign it needs to be replaced. Think of it this way, a bra with holes in it can tear completely at any moment. What will you do then?
8. Your bra is not the same shape and does not have the same support as a new bra that is the same size. This is especially true for sports bras. If you hold up your existing bra to a new one of the same size and it does not look the same, you’ve worn it out! Champion or Adidas are good brands for sports bras.
9. You have gained or lost weight. Your breasts are made up of, mostly, fatty tissue, so when you gain or lose weight, it may make a significant change in their size—assuring you a new bra. Whenever you gain or lose 10 pounds, you should get fitted for a bra to ensure you are buying the right size for your body.
10. Ready for a New Look? You don’t have to wait until your old bras are ripped and torn to get a new one! Have fun with it! If you usually wear plain cotton bras, try printed, sexy, lace bras for a quick pick-me-up. You may discover a whole new bra-world for yourself!

Bra shopping shouldn’t be frustrating. If you happen to find a bra that fits you “like a glove” you may want to but a few in case they’re discontinued! Have fun with your bra shopping, but remember, a good bra should be comfortable and should support you—it should not be a nuisance. Happy shopping!

Jun 1, 2008

10 Reasons You Might Need a New Bra Now

Buying a new bra is a task many women put off. Whether it's the expense, the feeling that it's self-indulgence, or just not having the time to try one on to find a proper fit, bra shopping is not always at the top of everyone's list. Still, there are times when new bras are simply a must-and it's not just when your bras get so disreputable-looking that your husband makes fun of you. Knowing when to get a new one is the key to helping you keep bras that fit and are comfortable. These tips should help you find the right bra for your size and shape.

1. You haven't purchased a bra in the past six months. Is the expense keeping you in bras that are wearing out? Sure, you can spend $50 or even $100 on a bra pretty easily, but there are plenty of cute bras available for under $30. If you'd spend it on a manicure or a couple of movie tickets, you should be able to spend it on a bra.
2. You have a special occasion coming up. If you're a bridesmaid in a wedding, or you're going to a formal dance, you may need a strapless or convertible bra .
3. You're pregnant . No, you don't need a nursing or maternity bra yet-but your breasts are going to grow a surprising amount over the next nine months. Chances are you'll need to size up twice during your pregnancy. And even if you were an "A" cup to begin with, you're going to need an underwire for support now. Be kind to your breasts during pregnancy and nursing-good bras can minimize post-baby sagging. Bali , Playtex , and Calvin Klein offer some comfortable choices for this time in your life.
4. You've been wearing an ill-fitting bra. If your bra is puckered, oddly stretched, the back strap is riding up, or you have that magical bra line visible over your chest-you need a different bra. Be honest with yourself-as much as you'd like to be a C, are you really a B? Or, conversely, is a D cup just too small? Your bra should be supportive without being constricting, and should not gape away from your skin at any point when you are standing up straight. Check out full-figured or plus-size bras for a good fit, or get seamless bras if you wear t-shirts often. And stop worrying about size! Comfort in a bra is where it's at.
5. You've washed your bras repeatedly in the washing machine. Bras should be hand-washed. If you do not have the time, then at least use a lingerie bag for them as it will protect the straps and hooks from getting caught while washing or drying. Bras washed in the machine and without protection need to be replaced far more often.
6. 6. The underwire does not lie flat against your skin . The underwire should be perfectly flat and just underneath the breasts. If it starts to pucker or punch through the cloth, then it is time to replace the bra. If you have to adjust the underwire back to it's proper position at some point during the day, guess what? Time for a new bra.
7. The bra is beginning to get holes under the arms or in the cups. Any visible wear in the cloth is a sign the bra needs to be replaced. A bra with holes is not useful as it could tear completely during wear. Nothing is more slovenly than underwear with holes-the same applies to bras. Even if no one sees you in your bra, you'll feel ridiculous every time you put it on, and that's no fun.
8. The size and elasticity are different than on a new bra of the same type. This test holds true especially for sports bras. Holding your sports bra up to a new version of it should look the same in size and shape. If not, your bra has been worn too much and is stretched out. Try Champion or Adidas for a new sports bra.
9. You have lost or gained weight. The breasts are largely fatty tissue, and even adding five pounds can make significant changes in their size, warranting a new bra. Anytime you lose or gain more than 10 pounds, you should get fitted for a new bra to make sure you are getting the right size.
10. You are ready for a new look! Don't wait until your old bras are embarrassing.

Get one anytime you feel you need a quick pick-me-up. If you've been wearing plain cotton, get some fun lace bras . Or, if you've been wearing animal-print push-up-padded bras, try something simpler like mesh bras - you might find that you like it.

Getting a new bra doesn't have to be a hassle. If you find a bra you really like, it's a good idea to buy several at once in case it's discontinued. There is no need to go through the pain of finding a new style and size each time you need one. Browse a variety of different styles and brands to find choices that you like, and happy bra hunting!

May 10, 2008

How to make sure you buy the right size bra

One of the lingerie items every woman needs is a bra. At the Lingerie Exposure eBay store you can find a wide diversity of brands, designs, and color to please even the pickiest person. One can get a bra or a set comprising of a bra and matching panties, bikinis or briefs. Lingerie in general and bras and sets in particular seem to be the preferred gift especially for certain holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother's Day or Christmas. They are also one of the number one gifts men give women when they celebrate the couple’s anniversary.

If the black or red lingerie is considered a classic but yet very sexy, the bras and sets can be chosen according to the buyer preferences or the beneficiary preferences. If the material and the color can be nice even if they are not the most wanted by the beneficiary, the size is the one that matters the most. If you decide to buy a bra or a bra and panties set you should make sure you know the exact size. For a man there is nothing more embarrassing than buying the wrong size of lingerie for his loved one. One should not be satisfied with guessing or approximating the size.

There are different ways to find the size of a bra. Of course the easiest one is to go to a store and try one. But what happens if the one you like is available only online? Looking at the size of the bras you already have might not be very helpful because bras are made in different countries and they have different ways of sizing their products. However the most common bra conversion charts offer sizes from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Italy. The UK and USA are very similar using the Imperial system with a letter cup size.




A conversion chart is available online and offers information about the cup size and the band size. However in order to be able to use it you must know your size at least in one of the countries sizing methods. If the cup is the same at almost all sizes in all countries, the band size differs according to the system measured used. For example in the United States the band size is given in inches while in Europe is given in centimeters.

A bra conversion chart is very important when you purchase the bras online. They are not only important for the bras, but also for the bustier or other pieces of lingerie that cover your breasts. Most of the online stores that offer famous brands lingerie like Victoria’s Secret, Felina, Bali, Lily of France or Warner’s offer size charts and measurement formulas so that you can get the size you usually wear without actually trying on the product. Of course most of the times the items bought online like the ones purchased from the stores have a return period and can either refund you or send you the right size of bra that you actually need.

May 1, 2008

Selling on eBay? OSI Rock Stars is a must


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Mar 14, 2008

BraBaby: Machine-Wash Delicate Bras



Somewhat of a strange name, since babies don't wear bras, right? Oh, . . . it's for washing your bras. Never mind.

BraBaby™ is the revolutionary new washing system that protects your finest intimate apparel from the wear and tear of the washing machine, especially underwire or padded ones, looking new wash after wash.

BraBaby™ as easy as 1, 2, 3 !

1. Simply hook the bra straps together and place each cup around the ends of the inner shell.

2. Then - Tuck the straps inside the shell

3. And snap the outer shell around the bra!

With its unique flow-through design, the BraBaby™ allows water to gently clean your delicates… While it protects them from the agitator and from the weight of the other clothes in the spin cycle. BraBaby™ is dryer safe. So you can baby your bras right from the washer to the dryer!

This is for a 2 pack

Clever idea, but I still think its a strange name.

Feb 20, 2008

Effective Ways to Remove Laundry Stains

Some people are able to gracefully avoid stains. Others are magnets for stains and can't eat a simple snack without dripping spicy salsa or globs of chocolate ice cream down their shirtfronts.

SIMPLE SOLUTION
: If you are a stain magnet, or live with one, you need stain-removing help!

This should help at removing spots, from chocolate and grass to mildew and ink. I don’t put much faith in all those miracle (and often toxic) potions you can buy at the supermarket.

A lot of those stain-removing products you can buy at the supermarket leave spots on clothes. Some stain removers contain highly toxic solvents, or chorine bleach, both unfriendly to the environment.

I believe in two things: A bar of Ivory soap and a scrub brush. The key to preventing a spot from becoming a permanent stain is treating it before it bakes in the dryer.

Also, remember:

• Check your clothes for stains before washing them.
• Double-check before drying.
• When in doubt, soak spots in cold water.

THE IVORY SOAP METHOD
Ivory soap works well for stains because it's mild (with an almost-neutral pH) and it doesn't contain moisturizers, deodorants, and other unnecessary additives. Other mild white bar soaps will work, too, but save those colorful, moisture-laden or highly perfumed soaps for unwinding in the bathtub. For stain removal, plain old soap works wonders.

1. Wet the stained garment with cold water.

2. Rub a bar of Ivory soap directly into the stain, then rinse.

3. If that doesn't remove the stain, rub Ivory soap on the stain again, and then soak the fabric for 30 minutes or so in cold water with a bit of powdered detergent dissolved in it. (If you forget and leave stuff soaking longer, it doesn't really matter; you won't hurt the fabric.) Rinse.

4. If that still doesn't work, rub more bar soap into the stain, scrub it with a scrub brush (taking care not to damage the fabric), and rinse.

5. If a second scrubbing attempt doesn't remove the stain, blot it gently with some color-safe bleach (oxygen-bleach, not chlorine bleach) diluted with water, then rinse with clean water to remove all of the bleach.

6. If all else fails, be prepared to live with the stain.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE IVORY SOAP RULE
Like most rules, there are exceptions. Certain stains require different methods of attack.

Coffee: Coffee isn't hard to get out if you get to it with soap and water right away.

Fruit: I always put lemon on the stain first. If that doesn't work, then use bar soap.

Mildew: Wash the garment in warm or hot water with oxygen bleach, depending on the fabric, and line dry or dry flat in direct sunlight.

Oil and grease: Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down, on a large rag on top of an ironing board. Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain. Most oil and grease stains will come right out. (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.)

Rust: Soak fabric spotted with brown rust stains (which sometimes come from hard water) in a solution of 1 part lemon juice and 1 part water for at least 30 minutes. Do not use chlorine bleach on rust stains.

Tea stains
: These are hard to get out, but I soak tea stains in cool water and apply bar soap anyway.

Sweat stains: Line-dry the shirts outside. The combination of sunlight's natural bleaching properties and drying at lower temperatures than in a dryer keeps sweat stains from turning yellow. It's the heat of the dryer that sets the stains and makes them difficult to get out.

Feb 7, 2008

Key Beauty Tips That Every Woman Should Know

Key Beauty Tips That Every Woman Should Know

The thing about beauty tips is there are so many. There are tips that promise a healthier complexion, healthier looking hair, shiny locks, rosy cheeks, and plump lips. So, which tip do you try? Has there been anyone who's tried these advices before? You'll find everything you need to know about tips and advice that are tried and true (or tried and false!).

Exfoliation
It is definitely safe to exfoliate everyday. However, exfoliation is not safe for everyday when it's harsh and abrasive. Exfoliate using gentle items such as a washcloth or a buffing pad that doesn't feel "hard" when you touch it. Exfoliating isn't painful, but shouldn't be done if you experience any irritation. A good way to start is to try a free sample of the Olay� Total Effects Daily Cleansing Treatment dual-textured cloths.

Facials
Getting a facial before a party is a great idea to help your complexion glow! However, if your facial normally consists of any extractions (squeezing pores), a facial shouldn't be done within 6 hours of your party. This could leave your complexion less than stellar, with a red, irritated appearance. Instead, opt for a more gentle approach by requesting a mild scrub to get rid of dry, dulling skin. Then, before primping for the night, apply a glow enhancing lotion that will ensure your complexion will be on its best behavior.

Winter Skin
Skin that is normally oily can be painfully dry and flaky during the winter months. Winter is extremely hard on skin because of the huge difference in temperatures. Paired with the dry, frigid weather outside, and dry, sometimes over-heated temperatures inside, can cause your mug to be severely dry and flaky. You would think applying an oil-based moisturizer would give your skin the moisture it needs to stay flake-free. On the contrary, this gives your skin just what it needs for a new breakout. Instead, try using exfoliation just once a week and use only fragrance-free nondrying cleansers. Never use hot water on your face. Hot water strips your skin of natural moisture. Pat, never rub your face dry and use an oil-free moisturizer on only the dry areas of your face to prevent further breakouts.

Using Soap
Using soap on your face is a major no-no. Think about it. The same soap that your significant other uses to get rid of the dirt and muck they would be safe for the delicate skin on your face? You want the oil on your face removed, not the skin itself. When looking for a facial cleanser, make sure it says just that - "Facial Cleanser." Regardless of which one you choose, it should fit your skin type and moisture needs.

Zit 101
You're red-hot excited about red-hot date but your complexion got a bit more excited than normal. Don't freak out because added stress can cause more. Simply look for an over-night pimple gel. There are many varieties out there. Any should do, but remember, you get what you pay for so to speak. One of the best is Biore Blemish products. You wake in the morning, and alas, the little creature is still there. Again, don't freak out. Use a green-toned concealer, rather than pink-toned which could amplify it, following with pressed powder.

The best tips for anyone are always use a gentle exfoliation system, never leave home without your sun block and listen to your skin. Only your skin can tell you what suits its needs!

Jan 29, 2008

Web Checkup

Concerned about calories? Visit http://calorie-count.about.com for guidance and support. The free site will evaluate your activity level and physical profile and recommend foods with a high nutritional value while determining the barriers for losing weight. It also includes nutrition facts for more than 70,000 foods

Jan 24, 2008

Lingerie Body - Post Baby

By now most of you have probably seen Maggie Gyllenhaal's lingerie photos from last fall for Agent Provacateur. What many of you may not know is that at the time the photos were taken, Maggie had an 11-month old child, Ramona, with Peter Sarsgaard. She looks shockingly good for a woman who just had a baby! Heck, she looks amazing for a woman who has never had a baby! Many of us haven't been as fortunate as Maggie to have such a great lingerie figure so soon after delivering a baby.

What does a woman do who wants to get back in shape after a baby and look fabulous in lingerie?

Step One: Nutrition & Portion Control

If you change a few simple habits regarding nutrition and food portions, then you can have a large impact over time with your figure. Some of the most helpful I've found are the following:

- Bye Bye Sugar. If you can't go cold turkey, then start off slowly like cutting out all sugary sodas and try eating fresh fruit for dessert

- After 6 p.m. only drink water or eat fruit or vegetables

- Watch your snacking. Make sure that you aren't snacking on the left overs from the baby

- Put your food on a smaller plate, it makes the potion look bigger and will make you think that you ate more

Step Two: Exercise

Get your body moving! If you can run five miles, then do it. But, if you're like most women after a baby, take it at a pace that feels good for you. I know some women who could only walk out to the mail box after having a child and years later have worked up to marathons and triathlons. Sometimes baby steps are best, even for us grown ups.

Step Three: Drink Lots of Water

Water replenishes your body, helps it maintain itself and curbs hunger cravings. It also makes your skin look radiant and glowing. Water is key to loosing weight and looking great!

Step Four: Buy Yourself a Pair of Priceless Panties!

Know that you'll get back to your pre-baby body but treat yourself in the meantime--without the calories! Find a pair of priceless panties that flatter your figure and make you feel like a million bucks. It will do wonders for your self-image and be an incentive to help you loose the extra baby weight!

Congratulations to Maggie for looking so stunning post-baby! For the rest of us, I hope we're all as fortunate as Maggie in our post-delivery days! In the meantime, be kind to yourself, know you'll get your shape back, and celebrate your inner Eve!

Gayvin Powers is a writer and lingerie guru.

Jan 22, 2008

Spain Non-Standardized Clothing Measurement System - One Size Fits

Who would think that Spain still had a non-standardized clothing measuring system, but I’m pretty sure they’re not the only country that lacks in the fashion industry department.

According to The Independent consumers have a better chance at winning the lottery than finding their correct size in a timely manner while shopping in Spain for the new fashionable items. Because one stores 12 will be another stores 14 and another stores 10 so it is not unusual to see women rushing to the dressing room with more than three of the same item (different sizes) in hand.

The countries government has grown tired of the complaints and finally plans to make a change with the help of some of their more prominent clothing brands, leading retailers, and manufacturers including: Inditex empire Рowner of the fast-fashion giant Zara, Mango, department store El Corte Ingl̩s, and clothing chain Cortefiel and http://tinyurl.com/2lhacomany more will most likely follow suit since these businesses dominate the Spanish market, but also have a strong international appeal.

They have started the initiative by having technicians from Spain’s health ministry visit the first of 59 towns across the country to measure 10,415 Spanish women, aged between 12 and 70, to find out what size and shape the nation’s females really are. The results will be announced Spring 2008 and a better standardized measurement for the Spain fashion industry should follow soon after.

Jessica & Alan Katz
eBay PowerSeller
ID: lingerieexposure4u


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Jan 16, 2008

Watch Buying Guide

Watch Buying Guide from LingerieExposure.com

Ever since the Egyptians used sundials to mark the solar calendar, humankind has asked, "Do you have the time?" It became much easier to find the time in 1868 when Patek Philippe & Co. of Switzerland crafted the first wrist watch. Since then, the wrist watch has gained in popularity as consumers discovered the convenience and beauty of these timepieces. This watch buying guide includes some basic information to help you wade through the options.

What you need to know

Fine watches display the engineering skill and craftsmanship of the watchmaker, and each watch model contains a unique combination of materials and movement. Possessing some information on materials, movements and components before purchasing a watch will help you make a more informed buying decision.

Materials


To protect the movement and dial, most watch cases are made of metal. Stainless steel is the most popular metal used in better watches. Stainless is attractive and resists both tarnish and discoloration. However, titanium is gaining in popularity as a material for men's watches. Titanium is durable as stainless steel but lighter. Gold sets the standard for truly luxurious watches. Watchmakers craft these models in 14k, 18k or 22k gold of yellow, rose and white hues.

A fine gold watch is a major expenditure, but well worth the investment to create a treasured heirloom that will be loved for generations. For most people, buying a gold watch is a once-in-a-lifetime, don't worry about the price event. Of course, at LingerieExposure.com, you never have to worry about the price. Gorgeous jewelry watches are also available in sterling silver and platinum. For the look of a fine precious metal, choose a goldtone or silvertone watch -- a brass or steel timepiece electroplated with gold or silver.

Watch bands are available in many materials and feature two distinct styles: the bracelet and the strap. A bracelet is a series of interlocking metal links. A strap is leather, fabric, nylon, rubber or synthetic. Leather and fine animal skins, such as lizard or alligator, add beauty to a casual everyday watch or a dress watch. Some timepieces also feature fine faux leather or fabric straps. Avoid exposing a leather or fabric strap to water and perspiration. Sports watches are designed for outdoor activities and generally feature a durable rubber strap, nylon strap or a metal bracelet. Expand your style options with extra watch bands for each case.

Watch components

* Band: The cuff that wraps around the wrist making the piece a wrist watch. Metal bands are called bracelets. Leather, rubber or fabric bands are called watch straps.
* Bezel: Ring that attaches the crystal to the watch case.
* Case: Frame that houses the watch mechanism.
* Case Back: A removable cover that allows access to the internal mechanism of a watch.
* Clasp: The hardware that fastens the band together; a buckle.
* Crown: A button on the side of the case that adjusts the time and date. The button also winds many mechanical watches.
* Crystal: The clear protective case over the watch dial; usually a Plexiglas or mineral disc. Hardlex crystals, a heat-treated mineral crystal, and sapphire crystals are especially scratch-resistant.
* Dial: The face of a watch case that displays the timekeeping functions.
* Subdial: A small window or register with its own hands that is placed on the main dial. Chronograph watches have three or four subdials to display multiple functions.
* Lugs: The hardware that connects the case to the watch band.

Watch terminology

* Analog: The traditional dial; keeping time with hands.
* Aperture: The date display window on a watch dial.
* Calendar: Displays featuring the day, date or year in addition to the hour; analog watch dials show this feature in apertures or subdials.
* Caliber: The configuration and size of the watch movement.
* Countdown Timer: A chronograph function that measures how much of a preset period of time has passed.
* Chronograph: A watch with multiple functions measuring specific durations of time, often in fractions of a second. Subdials and hands measure the time periods; such as the stopwatch of a sports watch.
* Chronometer: A high-precision timepiece whose movement has been quality-tested by the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres [COSC], a Swiss laboratory. The COSC tests the movement at five different positions and 3 different temperatures for several consecutive days to determine accuracy. Timepieces qualifying as chronometers include a COSC certification number.
* Digital: A dial that shows the time and other features in a LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light emitting diode) display. This feature is useful displaying information on a multifunction watch.
* Dual Time: A display that shows two time zones on the dial. The feature can have two dials, a subdial placed in the main dial, or analog and digital displays on the same watch.
* Guilloche: A pattern of ridges that ripple outward from the center of a flat surface; a sunburst pattern. This texture is common on the dials of dress watches.
* Jewels: The jewels form the bearings in a mechanical or automatic watch. The movement generally will have at least 17 jewels.
* Kinetic: A watch mechanism or battery that is powered by natural movements of the wearer's arm. A quartz watch with kinetic movement never needs a new battery.
* Lap Timer: A chronograph function that measures segments of a race; it can stop to show the time for each lap without losing track of the total race time.
* Mechanical: Watch movement using a spring that must be wound by hand. The spring slowly unwinds to release the energy that powers the watch.
* Moon Phase Dial: A subdial that tracks the phases of the lunar month. Some watches have a Sun and Moon subdial which tracks the 24-hour day.
* Perpetual Calendar: Automatically resets the day at the end of the month or year, including leap years.
* Power Reserve: The amount of energy, notated in hours, that a watch has stored in its movement. The average mechanical or automatic watch has a full power reserve of about 36 hours.
* Skeleton: This case design displays the watch movement with an open dial or with a clear crystal placed on the case back.
* Sweep Hand: The marker that denotes the seconds as it moves around the dial of an automatic watch. Also called the sweep second hand, this marker moves in a smooth arc on the dial. The second hand of a quartz watch will click forward in second-long increments.
* Tachymeter: A register set on the bezel that measures the distance covered over a specific period of time.
* World Time: Found in digital watches, this function features a list of the current times in major cities around the world.

Watch care

Good watches are examples of fine craftsmanship and will last for decades with proper care. Clean a watch regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils and use a mild soap and water solution to clean metal bracelets. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Even water-resistant timepieces should not be worn in a hot tub or hot shower. Chlorine, perfumes, and other chemicals may damage the finishes and sealants. Always rinse a water-resistant watch in fresh water after swimming or snorkeling. Finally, keep the watch case away from magnets; they can damage the movement of quartz watches.

Other features - Movement


The "movement" refers to the interior mechanism of the watch that drives the timekeeping functions; in other words, the watch engine. Watches have quartz, mechanical or automatic movements.

A quartz movement is powered by a battery. In this design, a vibrating quartz crystal drives a step motor to move the hands at a constant rate. Passing an electric current through the crystal keeps it oscillating at over 32,000 vibrations per second, which makes the movement extremely reliable. Quartz movement is also a cost effective design for the manufacturer, and the most affordable watches usually have this feature. Swiss quartz combines the movement with the chassis and jewels of a mechanical watch to form the most accurate and most durable quartz watches. On average, the battery needs to be changed every 1.5 years; however, a few quartz watches have solar-powered rechargeable batteries.

A mechanical movement uses a spring that must be wound by hand using the crown. The spring slowly unwinds to release the energy that powers the timekeeping functions. Consumers who appreciate the skill of gifted watchmakers choose these fine watches for their intricate composite of gears and other parts. Well built mechanical watches can last for generations.

Automatic watches have mechanical movements that harness the energy produced by the wearer's arm to wind the spring. Thus, the wearer does not need to manually wind the watch every day; however, it is recommended that you manually wind the movement every two weeks or use a watch winder. Also, adjust the time once a month as automatic and mechanical movements can gain or lose a few minutes per month.

Common watch questions


What do the water resistance ratings mean?

A water-resistant watch will have rubber, nylon or Teflon gaskets set on the case at the case back, crystal and chronograph pushers. A screw-down crown also has these gaskets. In addition, a waterproof sealant lines the case. A screw-in back withstands pressure better than a push-on back, thus increasing the water resistance. Watches should have gaskets changed whenever the battery is replaced or when doing routine maintenance. Chlorine, perfume, and other chemicals can harm the gaskets or sealant. Limit exposure to these materials or have your watch tested often for water resistance.

Water resistance is tested in measurements of atmosphere (ATM). Each ATM denotes 10 meters of static water pressure. Note: This is not the depth to which a watch can be worn! Many watch cases will list the basic measurement of 1 ATM as "water resistant." These watches will withstand small splashes of water but should not be worn while washing the hands or submerging the hands in water.

Purchase a diver's watch if you spend a lot of time snorkeling or deep sea diving. A dive watch usually has a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back. The water resistance rating for these watches will be at least 20 ATM (200 meters/660 feet). Many high-end watches feature a helium release valve.

Common water resistance ratings:

* 3 ATM = 30 meters/100 feet: Suitable for everyday use. No swimming.
* 5 ATM = 50 meters/165 feet: Suitable for short periods of swimming. No diving or snorkeling.
* 10 ATM = 100 meters/330 feet: Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
* 20 ATM = 200 meters/660 feet: Suitable for high-impact water sports and some diving.
* Diver = 150-200 meters/500-660 feet: Suitable for scuba diving and passes ISO regulations.

How is a watch sized?

Case size is an important factor in the watch style. On average, men's watches have a case width or diameter of 35 millimeters or larger (just under 1.5 inches). Women's watches have a case width or diameter of 34 millimeters or smaller. The thickness measurement refers to the width between the case back and the top of the crystal.

The watch band is measured from the buckle to the last hole in the watch strap or from clasp section to clasp section. In general, a watch band will measure 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches for a men's watch and 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches in length for a women's watch. (Some high-end petite models can be significantly shorter.) Be sure to check the sizing disclaimer in the product description for a listing of the band length.

Sometimes a metal bracelet needs to be resized to fit an individual wrist. A reputable jeweler can remove links from the bracelet, often for a small fee. Unless the watch has an adjustable bracelet with easily removed links, it is best to have a professional resize it. Be sure to keep the extra links as they can replace any links that may be damaged in the future.

Jan 13, 2008

Newbie Blogging Moron

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

  • The best blogging techniques.
  • How to get traffic to your blog.
  • How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Jan 12, 2008

Bra Descriptions You Should Know

Descriptions of different styles of bras available
By www.LingerieExposure.com


Balconette

Balconettes, also known as shelf bras, are a more revealing demi bra that provides minimal coverage. Balconettes are uplifting creating a nicer looking cleavage.

Bralette

A bralette can be used as a training bra or a perfect addition to your sleepwear. It is a soft cup bra that also resembles a crop top.

Contour Bra

A contour bra is a molded bra with padded or lined cups. These are often worn by women who do not quite fill the cups as well as they would like because the bra gives the appearance of breasts. These also work well for women who have one breast that is slightly smaller than the other.

Plunge Bra

Plunge bras are bras that create the look of an increased cleavage using a deep front and angled cups with a thin center gore. Plunge bras not as heavily padded as a push-up bra.

Seamless Bra

A seamless bra does not have any seams in the cups, seams are in other portions of the bra but not in the breast area. This keeps from having seams show through your blouse when you wear tight fitting or thin clothing.

Sports Bra

Sports bras are made to offer more support and are worn during moderate to intense physical activity including running, playing sports or working out at the gym.

Triangle Bra

A triangle bra is a bra that has triangle shaped cups. They offer the right amount of coverage/support for a petite to an average figure person. A triangle bra may be padded or lined and usually do not have under wires. Most Triangle Bras have thin straps, center gore and back wings.

T-Shirt Bra

This bra is designed to appear invisible under even the thinnest fabrics. T-shirt bras are seamless and usually made with contour cups. A t-shirt bra is seasonless, since it can be used as a sweater bra as well during the colder months.

Racerback Bra

It is a back silhouette that curves between the shoulder blades, this can be worn with a tank top (or similar garment) and not show straps. Many convertible bras can be worn crossed in the back converting to a racerback.

Full Figure Bra

Full figure bras are designed specifically for women who wear large and plus sizes.

Demi

Demi is for petite to average figure women. These bras offer a less coverage than a full cup and offer more support than a balconette. Demi bras cover the nipple and approximately 50% to 75% of the breast. If your demi has an overflow problem, you are wearing the wrong size.

Full Cup

A full cup bra completely covers most of the breast with more coverage and support than a demi cup bra gives. It is not good with a low cut top or halter top. They are really good for regular or high cut shirts.

Soft Cup Bra

Soft Cup bras are cloth and do not have under wires. They may be padded or lined but they don’t have any under wires so they are soft.

Molded Bra

Molded bras have the cups machine molded for different sizes. Molded bras have a natural breast shape with no seams or lines in the cups. These are available in soft cup and under wire versions.

Padded Bra

Padded Bras have padding lining in the cups which is thicker at the bottom of the cups making the breasts look larger. This bra is for women who want to look as if they have larger breasts.

Foam Lined Bra

Foam lined bras have a thinner lining opposed to the others. This lining doesn’t add size but provides shaping and as well as protecting against the nipple showing through. A feature to look for in foam lined bra is the stretch foam lining. Stretch foam creates a natural good looking silhouette. It will keep the shape even after repeated washings.

Push Up Bra

Push up bras create the look of increased cleavage and bigger bust by using padded and angled cups. They usually have under wires and a variety of types of padding, including the graduated, cookies, and demi cups.

Underwire

An underwire is a thin, flexible wire located under the cups. They offer added support to the cups of the bras. The wires are flexible and covered with fabric to keep them from poking the wearer. Underwires are for any woman who wants support.

Inner Sling

Inner slings are a support feature made of fabric strips that follow the natural curve of the bra. An inner sling is similar to an underwire bra but softer. This soft fabric is in the bottom of the cup giving invisible support.

Bustier

A bustier is made to go from the bust to the hip to help shape your torso and lift your breasts. This garment closes in the back with traditional hook-and-eye closures. Some are strapless or convertible and most have boning throughout the sides for additional support and shaping.

Corset

A corset is a bustier that has lacing along the sides to provide more support and an increase the slimming/shaping effects.

Minimizer

A minimizer is a bra for large breasted women who want to look smaller. The minimizer reduces the look of the bust by up to one cup size without causing discomfort.

Convertible

Convertible means the garment can be worn with or without the straps. This feature allows the wearer to use the garment with more clothing options than they could otherwise.

Comfort Straps

Comfort Straps are a wider strap that is padded or lined to even out the pressure caused by holding the weight of the breast to maximize comfort. These straps are helpful to large breasted women and women who get shoulder pains from their bras.

Rigid Straps

They are Non-stretch straps that are adjustable. Rigid straps also offer more support than the stretch straps do. Rigid straps work well with full figure bras.

Center Gore

Center gore connects the cups in the center of the bra. This fabric comes in two different styles, stretch and non-stretch. For more support choose non-stretching center gore. The width of the center gore effects cleavage, thinner center gore is used to increase the closeness of the breasts to give a fuller look that works well with low cut tops.

Back Wings

Back Wings are the fabric strips that connect the outer base of the cups to the hook-and-eye closures. These come in stretch and non-stretch fabrics with the non-stretch being the more supportive of the two.

Cookies

Cookies are oval shaped and removable demi pads. These are used in bras which are already padded to make it look bigger in that area. For women who are trying to enhance the size of the breasts. Cookies are inserts that make you look fuller for women who are smaller.

Moisture Wicking

Moisture wicking fabrics are fabrics that draw the moisture away from the skin. This type of fabric is a popular choice for sports bras.

Visit http://www.LingerieExposure.com for famous name bras at unbeatable prices!

Jan 11, 2008

Perfect Fit Checklist EVERY Woman MUST Have!

By www.LingerieExposure.com

The truth is that women claiming to be a Bra Fitter may not always be providing you

thorough fitting information. For starters, many of them are paid to be fitting you by

a specific manufacturer. Thus, they are motivated to try to fit you in a specific brand

not always the best brand for you. A Bra Fitter who works for the lingerie store has

the primary goal of selling you merchandise. If she doesn’t have your size or the best brand for your figure, she may encourage you to consider something simply because she has it in stock. The goal of a Bra Fitter is to make the sale even if its not

necessarily the best choice for you. Heres another example. When someone comes in

needing a larger cup that the store doesn’t carry (most department stores only carry up to size D or DD cups), the sales person will keep moving a woman up in band size

until the cups (sort of) fit.

You’re a smart person. Since you’ll be wearing the bras, you’re better off taking a few minutes to understand what a perfect fitting bra should look and feel like, and

recognize the signs if your bra is the wrong size for you. Here is a checklist of what to look for:

[ ] Smooth fitting cups: If you don't fill out the cups, you need a smaller size. If

you are "overflowing" in the cups, try a larger cup size or a style with a fuller cup

design. The edges of the cups should also lie flat against your breast. If there is a gap (especially with padded bras), you should go down a cup size.

[ ] Center panel lays flat against your breastbone: If it does not, this could be a

sign that your cup size is too small, or the panel is not large enough to accommodate

the separation between your breasts.

[ ] The bottom of the bra in the front and back is parallel to the floor or

slightly lower in the back:

The lower edge of the band should anchor below the shoulder blades. The lower the

back fits, the better the support.

[ ] Straps stay put and don’t dig into your shoulders. Consider a different bra

style with straps closer together if straps keep falling. A smaller band size should

reduce the straps strain on your shoulders.

[ ] Cup fabric should be stable enough to give support as well as a good breast

shape.

[ ] An underwire should encircle your breast without poking, protruding or

pinching.

[ ] Good breast uplift so that the apex of your breasts is mid-way between your

shoulders and your elbows. Uplifted breasts look more youthful and give a slimming

appearance.

[ ] Breasts face the front and do not sag or fall to the sides.

This breast position allows you to freely swing your arms.

[ ] A finger can be run under the front band:

Your bra should be snug, but not too tight. If it's tight, you need a larger band size or a looser hook placement.

[ ] Feels comfortable when sitting. Our ribcages tend to expand when we are

seated. If you’re not sure your band is big enough, this quick test will answer your

concern.

[ ] Consider an alteration. Still not the perfect fit? We alter our clothes for a better

fit, why not a bra? One woman in our office really measures to a 35 band size. She

therefore buys a 36D and has a dart put in at the sides.

An important point when zeroing in on your correct bra size is when you try on a bra

and go one cup size larger, you are keeping the band size the same and increasing

your bust line by 1. However, when you go up a band size (keeping the cup size the

same) you are increasing your band circumference by 2 AND increasing your bust line circumference by 2 as well. The point here is that changing a cup size within a band size is fine-tuning your bra size. Changing a band size is a much more significant size

change.

Best regards,

Jessica Katz

Shop my store now at http://stores.ebay.com/Lingerie-Exposure?refid=store

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Jan 10, 2008

Custom Listing Templates

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The Wiz has been providing training courses and help to eBay sellers for most of the last decade and is referenced in Michael Miller's book: Tricks of the eBay Masters, Copyright © 2005 by Que Publishing. Using his easy to understand, non-technical approach, the Wiz will teach you to create professional quality listing templates that will provide branding and identity for your business, will improve your online sales, and will make your listings memorable to your customers.

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We are adding new products and services, so take a look at my eBay store (www.lingerieexposure.com) and get yourself a great deal.

Best regards,
Jessica Katz
eBay ID: lingerieexposure4u